Pulaski Times

U.S. Senator John Boozman, alongside Senators Tim Kaine and Susan Collins, has introduced the Jumpstarting Our Businesses by Supporting Students (JOBS) Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to broaden access to job training programs by allowing students to use federal Pell Grants for shorter-term training courses. Currently, these grants are limited to two- and four-year colleges and universities.

The JOBS Act seeks to address the skills gap by making job training more accessible for students who need financial assistance but cannot afford it otherwise. Boozman stated, "Increasing the supply of workers ready and able to fill in-demand jobs is exactly what our economy needs to thrive."

Senator Kaine emphasized the importance of removing financial barriers for technical education, noting that many Virginians struggle with access due to cost. He said, "No one should be priced out of an education—including a technical education."

Senator Collins highlighted the benefits of job training programs as effective tools for preparing individuals for rewarding careers. She remarked that this legislation would help young people secure good-paying jobs while assisting businesses in finding qualified workers.

The JOBS Act proposes changes to the Higher Education Act by expanding Pell Grant eligibility for high-quality job training programs lasting at least eight weeks and leading to industry-recognized credentials or certificates. It includes requirements ensuring that these credentials meet standards under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and align with state or local economic needs.

Additionally, eligible programs must provide career and technical education instruction at institutions like community or technical colleges with at least 150 clock hours over eight weeks. The legislation also supports credit transferability for further education pursuits.

This initiative has garnered support from various senators across party lines, including Tina Smith, Roger Marshall, Tammy Baldwin, Richard Blumenthal, Lisa Blunt Rochester, Cory Booker, Shelley Moore Capito, Chris Coons, Catherine Cortez Masto, Kevin Cramer, Steve Daines, Tammy Duckworth, Kirsten Gillibrand, Maggie Hassan, Martin Heinrich, John Hickenlooper, John Hoeven, Cindy Hyde-Smith, Mark Kelly, Angus King, Amy Klobuchar, Jeff Merkley, Jon Ossoff, Gary Peters, Jacky Rosen, Jeanne Shaheen, Dan Sullivan Thom Tillis Tommy Tuberville Chris Van Hollen Mark R Warner Roger Wicker Ron Wyden.

Organizations such as Advance CTE and the American Association of Community Colleges have expressed their support for the JOBS Act.